senate majority leader harry reid, followed by senator john thune, then senate floor speeches from barbara boxer, joe manchin, and kay bailey hutchinson. >> the majority leader is recognized. i was glad to hear that republicans have taken their demand for social security benefit cuts off the table. it should never have >> they should never have been on the table to begin with. at 11:00 in the morning. i certainly hope >> next, republican senator john thune. >> thank you. i will first of all thank both of my colleagues for the diligent work -- they have committed themselves to this work and i appreciate it. mr. president, i rise today frustrated, embarrassed, and angry. it is absolutely inexcusable that all of us find ourselves in this place at this time, standing on the floor of the senate in front of the american >> thank you for the update. midafternoon today, senator john thune spoke with reporters on where things stand on the fiscal cliff. >> where do things stand as far as a republican deal? >> republicans advanced a proposal last night and you heard senator mcconnell talk about it on